Heroin is at epidemic levels in Vermont and a major concern, says the governor in his State of the State address recently. Vermont and other small states have a greater per capita heroin problem than big cities, and overdose deaths have increased dramatically. We discuss the phenomena and its relationship to the prescription opioid epidemic. Also, there is a lawsuit and calls for banning of Monster Energy Drink, following a 19 year old’s death, and several emergency room reports of caffeine poisoning. In the realm of drug testing, using the sweat from fingertips is the latest innovation. And a discussion on the ongoing conflict between subscribers to the AA model of recovery vs. addiction doctors and their adherents. Each side has strong believes about a number of things including the religious component of AA, and moderation as opposed to total abstinence. Also “amnesty boxes in Denver airport for MJ, and more on e-cigarettes, which have been banned in some places.